An Autumnal Adventure in Switzerland: From Lakes to Peaks
This is the first story chronicling our unforgettable trip to Switzerland in early November. The excitement began almost the moment we crossed the border from Germany. The horizon suddenly bristled with the first, thrilling glimpses of mountains. I remember the feeling so clearly – it was our first proper encounter with such majestic landscapes, and it was absolutely breathtaking.
Our journey had only just begun, and a short stop at Lake Geneva (or Lac Léman, as it’s known locally) left us utterly spellbound. The scale was incredible: a vast, shimmering expanse of water on one side, seamlessly framed by a dramatic amphitheatre of mountains on all others.
The autumn foliage set the entire scene ablaze with colour, making the landscape even more spectacular. We had big plans for the days ahead: one trip to the capital city, Bern, and another ascending to a dizzying 3000 metres for what promised to be an extreme mountain experience!
Bern: A Step into Timeless Charm
Based in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, we were keen to explore the cultural shift in Bern, which lies in the German-speaking region. Wandering through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town felt like stepping into a living storybook. The immaculately preserved medieval architecture, the famous Zytglogge clock tower, and the serene Aare River looping around the city made for a truly captivating day of sightseeing.
Ascending to the Heights of Leysin and Les Diablerets
We were staying in the small ski resort of Leysin. It was a slight surprise to see the mountain tops bare of snow – apparently, that year was notorious for its lack of it! But this didn’t deter our spirits in the slightest. Our mission was exploration.
The true highlight was our journey to Glacier Les Diablerets, perched an incredible 3,000 metres above sea level. The world up there was a different realm. A biting cold wind, clouds swirling both above and below us, and stark, impressive alpine landscapes in every direction. It was both beautiful and profoundly stunning. After taking in the views, we warmed up with a wonderfully convenient and delicious lunch at the Botta Restaurant, a modern architectural gem nestled in the peaks.
A Heart-Stopping Moment on the Descent
The descent, however, brought an unexpected adventure. Our mountain lift suddenly jolted to a halt, leaving our cable car suspended over a deep, terrifying gorge. A power cut, perhaps? For what felt like an eternity – at least five long minutes – we swung precariously in a strong wind. The tension was palpable. Even a group of seasoned climbers sharing our car began to look nervous. Fortunately, the problem was soon resolved, and we continued our journey back to the car park with a story we wouldn’t forget!
The Italian Flair of Ticino
All good trips must end, but we had one more region to explore before heading home – the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino. Driving through the long Gotthard tunnels felt like passing through a portal. We emerged into another world – road signs were in Italian, dramatic cliffs rose around us, and impossibly high waterfalls cascaded down their faces.
After a scenic drive, we reached Lugano. The contrast was exhilarating! After the quiet mountain air, we were immediately swept up by the surrounding buzz. The lively chatter in Italian, sleek sports cars purring past, the loud quacking of ducks on the lake, and elegant palm trees lining the streets. It was a vibrant, beautiful place that simply oozed the joy of life.
A Fond Farewell
After a day exploring Lugano, our Swiss adventure was drawing to a close. We spent one last night in Switzerland before beginning our journey home, with a final brief stop in the tiny principality of Liechtenstein.
It’s a common feeling to want to return to a beautiful place, and we’ve been lucky enough to do so several times since. For me, the most fascinating aspect of Switzerland is the breathtaking way the majesty of nature coexists with human ingenuity. From highway viaducts soaring over gorges and buildings clinging to cliff edges, to the engineering marvels of long mountain tunnels and simple asphalt roads that seem to hang over an abyss – it’s a country that constantly leaves you in awe.